IF IT FLIES, YOU’LL FIND IT AT EAA AIRVENTURE

Paul Poberezny could not have known when he founded the Experimental Aircraft Association back in 1953 that it would one day spawn a week-long gathering and attract some half-million visitors from around the globe every year. Poberezny died in 2013 and is remembered as a giant in the field of general aviation. EAA AirVenture, held every summer in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is an airshow like no other, thanks to his vision.

This year’s EAA AirVenture will run from July 24 to 30. Along with the usual crowds and excitement, the flying shows and unusual aircraft will once again be on display. During the week, some 10,000 aircraft will land and take off for the fly-in, making the local Wittman Regional Airport the busiest airport in the world. Ensuring that no one is left out, a seaplane base has been set up on nearby Lake Winnebago for aircraft equipped to land on water.

Attractions to be taken in during daytime and nighttime shows include an acrobatic performance by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, parachuting demo jumps, a musical performance during opening night by Canada’s own Barenaked Ladies, a flying parade of fascinating vintage aircraft, a rare and unforgettable reunion of astronauts from most of the Apollo missions and 75 different acts performing in the daily air demonstration shows that Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is proud to co-sponsor.

All this, plus a centre for children called KidVenture, where young people can experience hands-on, educational and fun aviation-based demonstrations and presentations. For the history buff, there’s the EAA Aviation Museum, considered one of the finest in the world, right there on the grounds. Young enthusiasts can experience the thrill of flight for themselves through the EAA’s Young Eagles program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

There is certainly never a lack of things to do, see or otherwise experience at EAA AirVenture. One of hundreds of exhibitors at the event (booth #2132, Hangar B), P&WC will be holding a workshop on the PT6A engine for enthusiasts and those curious to discover how the engine could appeal to the kit aircraft industry. We’ll also be using the venue and the presence of numerous OEMs to celebrate our 100,000th-engine milestone, achieved in April of this year. Stay tuned! P&WC will be making some announcements at the show, and we will be reporting back to you on the various EAA events and activities.